The Saudi Pro League revolution has not only been able to attract some of football’s biggest stars of contemporary times, but all-time greats, too.
Cristiano Ronaldo pioneered the Saudi Arabian venture, with the likes of Karim Benzema and Neymar following in his footsteps.
The Kingdom’s lofty ambition has seen the Saudi Pro League (SPL) gain major prominence, and there are no signs of the country slowing down their spending anytime soon ahead of a likely World Cup hosting in 2034.
European heavyweights will be strapped in tight, bracing themselves for unwanted approaches, and there’s at least ten superstars names on the radar. Here’s a flavour of who could be offered the big bucks over in the Middle East.
Kevin De Bruyne will be remembered as one of the Premier League’s all-time great midfielders, and the Belgian has unsurprisingly garnered the intrigue of Saudi given his contract situation at Man City.
The Belgian’s current deal at the Etihad expires at the end of next season, and talks regarding an extension are yet to ignite. City, of course, won’t want to lose their superstar for nothing should he opt against a new deal, with the club reportedly placing a £90m price tag on De Bruyne’s head.
Saudi riches mean such a valuation won’t serve as a deterrent. De Bruyne would be another monster coup for the Kingdom.
While Varane has shown he’s still capable of competing at the highest level in Manchester, his time at United has been pretty unspectacular.
The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season, and while an extension on reduced terms has not been ruled out, Varane is set to find himself subject to lucrative offers from Saudi.
Al Nassr and Al Ittihad are two SPL clubs interested in signing the centre-back on a free transfer this summer. Benzema’s Al Ittihad are willing to offer Varane a package worth €30m per season.
Al Shabab are also keen, but a transfer to one of the PIF-backed Saudi clubs is more likely.
The 38-year-old showed with one sequence of brilliance against Sevilla that he’s still very much ‘got it’. Modric, however, has merely played a bit-part role for Real Madrid this season, and some have speculated whether retirement is around the corner.
Given his profile, the midfielder has previously attracted…
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